Minnesota Twins, Ryan Doumit agree to two-year extension (w/ video)

Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, left, congratulates catcher Ryan Doumit after a 6-3 win over the Cleveland Indians in a baseball game on Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Cleveland. Minnesota won two of the three games in the series. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

With a solid first half and an expiring contract, Ryan Doumit was a likely trade chip for the Twins at the July 31 non-waiver deadline. Instead, the catcher and team agreed to a two-year, $7 million contract extension on Friday, June 29, that will keep him in Minnesota through the 2014 season.

"There's no doubt in my mind we're going to right this ship, and I'm glad to know I'll be aboard when we do," Doumit said.

Doumit, 31, is a switch-hitting catcher batting .271 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs. He signed a one-year, $3 million free-agent deal with the Twins last winter but said he was eager to stay as soon as he got to spring training in mid-February.

"The last couple days it was brought to my attention they were interested in bringing me back, which was very flattering, obviously," he said. "The feeling was mutual. I called my agent. I said, 'Let's get something done. I love being here.' It's a great situation for me. It's a great clubhouse. There's a great group of guys here. I'm excited to be here."

The deal gives the Twins some flexibility regarding catcher Joe Mauer, who had caught in just half of his 66 games through Thursday. Doumit also has been used as a designated hitter 22 times this season and started six games in right field.

"My goal is going to be similar to what it is now, catching a bit here and there, DH a couple here and there and outfield is always an option for me," he said.

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"So I'll bring my 19 gloves with me and keep working. Whenever I can get in the lineup. The bottom line is this is where I wanted to be and I'm very excited to know this is where I'll be for the next couple years."

Asked whether the move is a harbinger for how he will handle the rest of the roster, general manager Terry Ryan said, "No, absolutely not."

"It's not anything more than wanting to keep a player," he added. "It's not part of the grand scheme, or something that will lead into something else. No. This just happens to be an individual that wanted to stay, and that we wanted. I'm tired of going out looking for guys; when you've got a guy right underneath your nose, let's see if we can keep him."